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3.03.2010

When minds are entirely closed

I suspect that more than half the people on the planet are functioning adequately with entirely closed minds. This condition is so prevalent because there are so many situations that close our minds. We close up to be productive and focused on the task at hand. We also close up to keep from embarrassing ourselves with irrational outbursts. We get provoked to close our minds when we're faced with dangers, threats, enemies, arguments, fights and battles. We're also inclined to close our minds when we get into conflicts with other closed minds even though this typically escalates the conflict.

When our minds are closed, we are not necessary dysfunctional. We can perform reliably in routine jobs and contribute respectably to our families and neighborhoods. We find ourselves to be very compatible with closed systems that merely oscillate between different states without making any real changes. We can do things successfully that merely require determination, focus and consistency.

However, when minds are entirely closed, we cannot figure out why things happen, what makes people tick or what's behind problems that defy well-intended solutions. We don't know what we're missing. We're limping along without all vast benefits of our open-minded resources. We're burdened with the consequences of excluding complicated rationality and complex irrationality.

Here's most of what we're missing when our minds are entirely closed:

On the rational side of open-mindedness -- where situations get complicated by the diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences, interconnections etc.

We're not really listening to others, getting where they're coming from or getting a picture of their passions, purposes, outlooks and priorities.

We're not talking things out, working out differences, exploring common ground or discovering more ways to value others.

We're not combining efforts, collaborating effectively, working with the varied talents available, or interacting to get things done.

We're not sharing what we can bring, providing what we do best, contributing in a like manner or responding to the perceived needs of others.

We're not making requests of others, expected insightful responses. soliciting contributions, or asking for help.

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About Me

I’m continuing to bring my creativity, psychological insights and management expertise to contemporary issues, even though I’m thoroughly enjoying my retirement. My career included practicing architecture, consulting to a variety of industries and professions, leadership development, platform speaking, video production and college teaching.